Our client, a disabled woman, noticed that her bank account had been frozen without warning. The freeze stemmed from a 20‑year‑old judgment she didn’t even know was still active. Overnight, she lost access to the limited funds she relied on for basic needs, and the garnishment threatened to derail her pending Social Security benefits.
She contacted Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. (FRLS) for help. FRLS is a non‑profit law firm that provides free civil legal aid to qualified individuals, families, and vulnerable communities across 13 Florida counties and to farmworkers statewide.
FRLS found that the judgment originated from a 1999 credit card debt and had been dormant since 2005. Even more troubling, the judgment was set to expire in just a few months, making the creditor’s sudden attempt to enforce it especially alarming. Our legal team filed a Claim of Exemption to protect her essential funds while we gathered documentation and coordinated with her SSI attorney.
Before the scheduled court hearing, the creditor voluntarily dissolved the garnishment, likely recognizing that the judgment was on the verge of expiration and that our client’s funds were legally protected. Her account was released, and no further enforcement was pursued. A weight was lifted off her shoulders knowing her benefits were safe, and her financial stability was restored.
FRLS’s advocacy ensured that her rights were protected and that she could maintain stability during an already difficult time. Legal aid plays in defending vulnerable clients from unlawful or improper debt collection practices and ensuring access to justice.
If you or someone you know is facing an improper garnishment or other civil legal issue, reach out to us at 1‑888‑582‑3410 or apply online at FRLS.org for help.